Contestants walk the ramp during the Miss Manipur contest, 2005

Imphal, Dec. 5: This year, Miss Manipur will push a cause, that of promoting harmony between the different tribes of the state.

Given the composition of the organising committee of the beauty pageant, which has been formed only a few days back, it can safely be said that half the job — promoting harmony, that is — is done.

For example, the committee comprises some 35 NGOs, including women’s organisations of different communities living in Manipur. “We are holding the beauty contest to promote communal harmony. We are not only trying to bring together all the beautiful women belonging to different ethnic communities of Manipur but also empowering them to spread the message of unity,” general secretary of the organising committee, N.K. Meitei, said.

Over the years, the majority Meiteis have been the target of criticism by tribal communities, which allege that the dominant community was trying to subjugate the smaller groups. All that the organisers want is to dispel this myth.

This “pageant with a difference”, which will have the most beautiful woman in the state crowned as the “ambassador of communal harmony”, is slated to be held later this month.

The organisers have also constituted an eight-member advisory committee, including personalities like Kakomlunglu Kamei, president of the Kabui Mothers’ Association, Rose Mangsi, president of the Kuki Mothers’ Association and Th. Taruni Devi, president of Nupi Samaj.

The organisers said the winner of the contest would get a cash reward of Rs 30,000 and the first and second runners-up would get Rs 20,000 and 10,000.

Miss Manipur will be given a one-year fellowship to spread the message of peace. Besides, the organisers said, the proceeds of the contest would be donated to various organisations fighting HIV and AIDS and also to help the victims of the scourge.

Manipur is one of the worst AIDS-affected states in the country with more than 20,000 people living with HIV.

The contest has never been a smooth affair in the state as it is prone to attract plenty of controversies. In several cases, the organisers failed to distribute the cash awards. Last year several finalists objected to the manner in which the contest was held. Meitei said the 35 NGOs decided to host the event jointly precisely to avoid a rumpus.